An important need for Amherst County’s Monacan Indian Nation
The Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 gives federally-recognized tribes precedence in making determinations and placements in child welfare cases involving Indian children. It is vital that we support local tribes in engaging in the child welfare process. Children in foster care are much more likely to become involved in the juvenile justice system.
Unfortunately, research recently completed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation has shown that the number of Native American youth in juvenile detention centers has increased from May to August 2020. From March 1 to May 1, there was a decrease in the number of detained Native American children, while from May 1 to August 1 there was a 31% increase in the number of detained Native American children.
Tribes with newer federal recognition, such as the Monacan Indian Nation, have been unable, as of yet, to develop their own department of social services. This hinders the tribes’ ability to become involved in child welfare cases that could be determining the future of these native children. Our community needs to begin communicating with local tribes to determine if there are ways in which we can support them as they support their youth in need.
KATHRYN DURDEN, Lynchburg, Virginia
FOR TRIBES:
The BIA is seeking to renew the information collection conducted under 25 CFR 23, related to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). Agency Information Collection Activities; Indian Child Welfare Quarterly and Annual Report
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-11-24/pdf/2020-25976.pdf
GOOD NEWS
Breaking good news! The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders that First Nations children without status resident off reserve who are recognized by their Nations for the purposes of Jordan's Principle are eligible for services/products! 1/2 pic.twitter.com/mLulg1zZ8k
— Cindy Blackstock (@cblackst) November 25, 2020
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